DPNM Rules April 2016

RULES OF THE
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
OF THE
STATE OF NEW MEXICO
ADOPTED
APRIL 20, 1985
AMENDED
JANUARY 18, 1994
OCTOBER 25, 1997
APRIL 21, 2001
MARCH 17, 2006
APRIL 28, 2007
APRIL 26, 2008
SEPTEMBER 12, 2009
SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
Corrections: JANUARY 15, 2011
APRIL 30, 2011
Corrections: MAY 7, 2011
SEPTEMBER 24, 2011
APRIL 24, 2012
SEPTEMBER 7, 2013
SEPTEMBER 20, 2014
SEPTEMBER 12, 2015
APRIL 23, 2016
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RULE 1 PARTY NAME .............................................................................................. p.6
1--1 State Name
1--2 County Names
1--3 Seal
1--4 Members
RULE 2 PARTY RULES ............................................................................................. p.6
2--1 Scope
2--2 Filing of Rules and Amendments
2--3 Amendment of Rules
2--4 Standards for Party Rules
RULE 3 PARTICIPATION IN PARTY ACTION........................................................... p.7
RULE 4 STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE .................................................................. p.8
4--1 Powers and Authority
4--2 Members
4--3 Meetings and Calls
4--4 Business and Budget
4--5 Proxy
4--6 Voting
RULE 5 STATE OFFICERS ..................................................................................... p.11
5--1 Election of State Officers
5--2 Chairperson -- Powers and Duties
5--3 Vice--Chairperson At--Large -- Powers and Duties
5--4 District Vice--Chairpersons Powers and Duties
5--5 Secretary -- Powers and Duties
5--6 Treasurer -- Powers and Duties
5--7 Removal of State Officers
5--8 Vacancies in State Offices
RULE 6 STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ..............................................................p.14
6--1 Members
6--2 Chairperson
6--3 Secretary
6--5 Meetings
RULE 7 STATE CONVENTIONS .............................................................................. p.15
7--1 Procedure
7--2 Delegates and Alternate Delegates -- Credentials and Challenges
7--3 Order of Business
7--4 Roll Call
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7--5 Voting
7--6 Platform
7--7 Minority Reports
7--8 Distribution of Material
RULE 8 NATIONAL CONVENTIONS ..................................................................... p.19
8--1 Eligibility and Selection as Delegate
8--2 Apportionment of Delegates
RULE 9 COUNTY PARTY ORGANIZATION .......................p.19
9--1 Notice of Party Actions
9--2 County Central Committee
9--3 County Standing Committees
RULE 10 COUNTY OFFICERS .............................................................................. p.24
10--1 Election of County Officers
10--2 Challenges
10--4 Vice--Chairperson(s) -- Powers and Duties
10--7 Removal of County Officers and State Central Committee Members
10--8 Vacancies in County Offices and State Central Committee
10--9 Executive Committee
RULE 11 COUNTY CONVENTIONS ...................................................................... p.29
11--1 Call
11--2 Purpose
11--3 Delegates
11--4 Order of Business
11--5 Voting
11--6 Minority Reports
11--7 Distribution of Materials
RULE 12 WARD AND PRECINCT ORGANIZATIONS........................................... p.31
12--1 Application to Wards and Precincts and Substitution of Precincts for Wards
12--2 Election of Ward Officers and County Central Committee Members
12--4 Vice--Chairperson -- Powers and Duties
12--7 Removal of Ward Officers and County Central Committee Members
12--8 Vacancies in Ward or Precinct Offices or County Central Committee
12--9 Ward Meetings
12--10 Voting
12--11 Observers
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12--12 Elections
12--13 Violation of Rules
12--14 Failure to Hold Ward or Precinct Meetings
RULE 13 FILLING VACANCIES FOR NOMINEES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE ............ p.38
13--1 Vacancies Filled by State Central Committee
13--2 Vacancies Filled by County Central Committee
13--3 Call for a Meeting
RULE 14 JUDICIAL COUNCIL ................................................................................ p.39
14--1 Powers and Duties
14--2 Members
14--3 Procedures
RULE 15 STATE RULES COMMITTEE ................................................................. p.40
15--2 Members
15--3 Meetings
RULE 16 STATE PLATFORM AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE. p.41
16--2 Members
16--3 Meetings
RULE 17 BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEEp.43
17--1 Purpose
17--3 Members
17--4 Meetings
RULE 18 PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION ................................................. p.44
RULE 19 ELECTIONS AND VOTING .................................................................... p.45
19--1 Majority Vote
19--2 Tie Votes
19--3 Prohibition of the Unit Rule
19--4 Secret Ballot
19--5 Elections
RULE 20 QUORUM AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS ..........p.46
RULE 21 NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTORS...........................................................................................p.46
RULE 22 RESOLUTIONS ..............p.47

RULE 23 USE OF ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER ...p.47
RULE 24 DEMOCRATIC CLUBS AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS .......p.47
24--1 Authorization
24--2 Termination and Revocation
RULE 25 AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE ....p.48
25--1 Purpose
25--2 Power and Authority
25--3 Members
25--4 Meetings
APPENDIX A PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION BY PREFERENTIAL
BALLOTING ......p.50
RULES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO

RULE 1. PARTY NAME
1--1. State Name. The name of the Democratic Party organization shall be the
Democratic Party of New Mexico, hereafter abbreviated DPNM.
1--2. County Names. The name of the Democratic Party organization of each
county of the State of New Mexico shall be the "Democratic Party of County" with the
appropriate county name inserted.
1--3. Seal. The official seal of the DPNM shall be the traditional eagle holding an
olive branch and arrow, and the words "THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY" along the outside
of the seal in the upper portion, and the words "STATE OF NEW MEXICO" along the
outside of the seal in the lower portion.
1--4. Members. All NEW MEXICO registered Democratic voters are members of
the DPNM.
RULE 2. PARTY RULES
2--1. Scope. These rules govern the organization and the conduct of business of
the DPNM. Where a subject is covered by these rules, they shall control at all levels of
party organization and in all counties except where these rules are in conflict with the
Charter and Bylaws or other Rules of the Democratic Party of the United States. Each
county organization may adopt such supplementary rules as it deems necessary
insofar as they do not conflict with the DPNM Rules and do not abridge the lawful
political rights of any person.
2--2. Filing Of Rules and Amendments. These rules and amendments thereto
shall be filed with the Secretary of State of New Mexico. Supplementary county rules
described in Rule 2--1 and amendments thereto shall be filed with the respective
County Clerks, the Secretary of State, the DPNM State Chairperson
and the DPNM Rules Chairperson immediately upon adoption.
2--3. Changes to Rules
A. Amendments These rules may be amended by a majority vote of all the
elected delegates who vote on the amendment at a State Convention which has as one
of its purposes amendments to the rules. These rules may also be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the members of the State Central Committee who vote on the
amendment at a meeting that has as one of its purposes amendments to rules.
B. Corrections. The Rules Committee may upon majority vote correct
typographical errors or update reference to the current Election Code.
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2--4. Standards for Rules The following standards, previously adopted by the
Democratic National Committee, are adopted as a part of these rules:
A. All public meetings at all levels of the DPNM are open to all members of the
DPNM regardless of race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, religion, handicap,
sexual orientation, ethnic identity or economic status.
B. No test of membership in, or any oaths of loyalty to, the DPNM shall be
required or used that has the effect of requiring prospective or current members of the
Democratic Party to acquiesce in, condone, or support discrimination on the grounds of
race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, ethnic
identity or economic status.
C. Meetings of the DPNM at all levels shall be publicized fully and in such
manner as to assure with timely notice to all party members, and large enough with
provision for sufficient room as practicable to accommodate all interested parties.
D. The DPNM, at all levels, shall support the broadest possible registration
without discrimination on grounds of race, color, creed, sex, age, national origin,
religion, handicap, sexual orientation, ethnic identity or economic status.
E. The DPNM shall publicize fully and in such manner as to assure notice to all
interested persons a full description of the legal and practical procedures for selection of
representatives at all levels. Notice of meetings to elect any party officers, including
delegates, shall be published by the officers of the county party organization in a
newspaper of general circulation at least fourteen (14) days prior to the meeting and the
notice shall specify the time, date and place for holding the meeting. (Chapter 1, Article
7, paragraph 3.I, Election Handbook of the State of New Mexico, 2009 Edition).
Publication of these procedures shall be done in such fashion that all prospective and
current members of the DPNM shall be fully and adequately informed of the pertinent
procedures in time to participate in each selection procedure at all levels.
F. The DPNM shall publicize fully and in such manner as to assure notice to all
interested persons a complete description of the legal and practical qualifications for all
officers and representatives of the DPNM. Such publication of notice, as described in
Rule 2--4.E, shall be done in a timely fashion so that all prospective candidates or
applicants for any elected or appointed position within the state shall have full and
adequate opportunity to compete for office.
RULE 3. PARTICIPATION IN PARTY ACTION
In order to vote in a ward or precinct meeting, party convention or central committee
meeting, or to be an officer at any level of the party structure, or a delegate to any party
convention, or a member of a central committee, a person shall have been a registered
Democrat, as shown on the official list of registered voters of the county clerk, for at
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least thirty (30) days prior to said meetings or conventions; and shall physically reside in
the political subdivision in which he/she wishes to vote or hold office.
RULE 4. STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE
4--1. Powers and Authority.
A. General The State Central Committee is the supreme governing body of the
DPNM when regularly convened in the absence of a convention in session. It shall have
general supervision and control of the political affairs of the party. Members of the State
Central Committee shall serve as automatic delegates to all State Conventions, in
addition to those state delegates duly elected at the County Conventions, unless
prohibited by the rules of the Democratic Party of the United States.
B. Financing The policy of the DPNM is that its business shall be financed
primarily by contributions from each of its individual members as their means allow. The
State Central Committee has the responsibility of fulfilling that policy by maintaining a
systematic program for soliciting and collecting such contributions. It shall have the
authority for appropriation of state party funds.
C. Assessments The State Central Committee shall have the authority to levy
dues or assessments upon the various recognized party organizations (Rule 24--1) on
an equitable basis proportional to the representation such organizations have on the
State Central Committee.
4--2. Members The State Central Committee shall be composed of the following:
A. The Chairperson and First Vice--Chairperson of each county:

B. If the average of the number of votes in a county for the nominees for
Governor and President in the most recent election for each office exceeds 2500 then
additional members shall be added to the State Central Committee for that county.
B.1 Calculation of State Central Committee Membership
The total number of members of the State Central Committee including the Chair
and Vice--Chair is calculated as follows: Divide the average of the number of
votes in each county for the nominees for Governor and President in the most
recent election for each office by 1000; if the decimal portion is greater than or
equal to .50 then round the result up to the next largest whole number this
result is the total number of members. Since the whole number obtained includes
the Chair and Vice--Chair subtract 2 from it to obtain the additional members to
be elected to the State Central Committee.
The DPNM Staffs re-calculation of SCC member allocations must be completed
in each odd-numbered year before the first day of the New Mexico Legislative
session. The DPNM Staff shall inform all County Chairs in writing of their
respective countys SCC member allocations by that date.
B.2 SCC Elections for County with only one Congressional District
For a county totally contained within a Congressional District: Additional
members shall be elected by the County Central Committee according to Rule
19--5.B.2. There shall be equal numbers of men and women (within a variance of
not more than one) among the members of the State Central Committee from the
county; and the voting procedures of Appendix A relating to equal division of men
and women apply.
B.3 SCC Elections for a County with more than one Congressional District
For a county that has been apportioned into multiple Congressional Districts: The
total number of State Central Committee members calculated in 4--2.B.1 above
shall be apportioned to each Congressional District based on that districts
percentage contribution to the average of the number of votes in the county for
the nominees for Governor and President in the most recent elections. After
adding up the whole member numbers calculated for each district: if the county is
entitled to one more member then the district with the largest fractional part of a
member shall receive an additional member; if the county is entitled to two more
members then the two districts with the larger fractional parts shall each receive
an additional member; etc.
Before electing the additional members to each district the Chair and the Vice
Chair shall be subtracted from the additional members required for the district in
which they each reside.
The County Central Committee within each district shall nominate and elect their
own additional State Central Committee members according to Rule 19--5.B.2.
There shall be equal numbers of men and women (within a variance of not more
than one) among the members of the State Central Committee from each district
within the county; and the voting procedures of Appendix A relating to equal
division of men and women apply.
C. Such other members appointed by the State Chairperson with the consent of
the State Central Committee only as necessary to achieve equal numbers of men and
women, within a variance of not more than one, after the election of members of the
State Central Committee by the respective County Central Committees.
D. National Committeeman and Committeewoman, the State Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, Secretary and Treasurer.
E. Two members from each of the New Mexico Senate and House of
Representatives who shall be selected by the Democratic caucus from each legislative
body.
F. Two members selected by and from the New Mexico Young Democrats
affiliated organization.
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G. Two members selected by and from the New Mexico Federation of

Democratic Women.
H. Two members selected by and from the Native American Democratic Caucus
of New Mexico affiliated organization.
I. All statewide elected Democratic officials and United States Representatives.
J. Two members selected by and from the Democratic Labor Caucus of New
Mexico.
4--3. Meetings and Calls. The State Central Committee shall meet at least twice
each year. A spring mandatory SCC meeting shall be held between March the first (1)
and May 31 inclusive. A fall mandatory SCC meeting shall be held during the month of
September or October.
Such meetings shall be upon the call of the Chairperson or by a call initiated by the
petition of a majority of the committee membership. The call shall give a minimum of 30
days notice to all Committee members and shall be conveyed to each member either
by United States Postal Mail or via electronic mail, as specified at the time of their
election by the individual member. The call shall specify the date, time, place, and
purposes of the meeting. Where party officers, including delegates, are to be elected,
Rule 2--4.E applies.
The call may be amended only by a three--fourths (3/4) vote. A quorum shall consist of
twenty--five percent (25%) of the members of the Committee with the additional
requirement of at least one representative from a majority of the counties. The
Chairperson shall have the authority to levy an assessment equal for all members to
defray the cost of the meeting.
4--4. Business and Budget. The State Central Committee shall transact business
only at meetings conducted pursuant to a call. At each of the two annual meetings, the
Chairperson and the Treasurer shall present a financial report and proposed budget for
the Committee's consideration.
4--5. Proxy. Except as otherwise provided, proxy voting is permitted. A proxy
shall be in writing, signed by the person giving the proxy and filed with the State
Secretary. A proxy shall be valid only when voted by a registered Democrat of the same
county as the person giving the proxy.
4--6. Voting. Voting on issues and in elections shall be non--secret (Rule 19-5B).
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RULE 5. STATE OFFICERS

5--1. Election of State Officers.
The State Chairperson shall call a meeting, following the requirements of Rule 2-4.E, of the State Central Committee for the election, according to Rule 19-5.B.1, of
state officers who in order of election and rank are: (a) Chairperson, (b) Vice-Chairperson At--Large who shall be of the sex opposite that of the Chairperson, (c) two
(2) Vice--Chairpersons of opposite sex from each Congressional District elected by the
respective members of the State Central Committee from each Congressional District,
(d) Secretary, and (e) Treasurer. Each District Vice--Chairperson shall be elected
separately by majority vote. The State Chairperson shall set the date of the meeting by
January 1 of the year in which the election is to be held (usually in odd numbered years)
and notify the County Chairpersons of the date that they may hold their County Central
Committee Meetings, which must be not more than forty--five (45) nor less than twenty-one (21) days before the State Central Committee Meeting. State officers need not be
members of the State Central Committee.
The election of all party officers shall be called for and conducted so as to be completed
in the last ten (10) days of April in odd--numbered years. Officers shall serve for two
years or until their successors are elected. Members of the State Central Committee
who serve by virtue of their offices shall cast votes for District Vice--Chairpersons in the
Congressional District in which they reside.
5--2. Chairperson -- Powers and Duties.
The State Chairperson shall:
A. be chief executive of the DPNM.
B. preside over all meetings of the State Central Committee, the State Executive
Committee, and the State Resolutions Committee, and participate in the proceedings of
all other committees including the making of motions and voting unless otherwise stated
in these rules. He/she shall not be counted in determining the quorum (Rule 20) of any
committee nor count as one of the specified number of committee members.
C. have general management of all party affairs and election campaigns.
D. have the power to appoint any committees which the Chairperson deems
necessary, or which the State Central Committee may authorize.
E. refrain from using his/her office to advance the cause of any individual
candidate including himself/herself for office in the Democratic Primary Election.
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F. serve on the Democratic National Committee.

G. have authority to levy an assessment equal for all State Central Committee
members to defray the cost of meetings of the Committee.
5--3. Vice--Chairperson At--Large -- Powers and Duties.
The Vice--Chairperson At--Large shall:
A. perform the duties of the State Chairperson in the Chairperson's absence.
B. perform duties assigned by the State Chairperson.
C. serve on the Democratic National Committee.
D. preside at all meetings of the Judicial Council at which she/he may make
motions and vote and be counted in determining the quorum (Rule 20).
5--4. District Vice--Chairpersons Powers and Duties
The District Vice--Chairpersons shall:
A. perform duties assigned by the State Chairperson.
B. be members of the Judicial Council where they may make motions and vote
and be counted in determining the quorum (Rule 20).
5--5. Secretary -- Powers and Duties.
The Secretary shall:
A. record and preserve the minutes of all meetings of the State Central
Committee.
B. keep records of State Conventions and Executive Committee meetings, and
perform other duties that may be required by these bodies.
C. promptly file amendments to DPNM Rules with the Secretary of State.
D. An Assistant Secretary may be appointed by the State Chairperson.
5--6. Treasurer -- Powers and Duties.
The Treasurer shall:
A. serve as Chairperson of the Budget Committee.
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B. perform such duties as may be required by the State Chairperson and by law.
C. keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures subject to the
supervision and control of the State Chairperson and make such accounts available for
examination by all registered Democrats in the state by request of five (5) members of
the State Central Committee.
D. prepare a two (2) year budget with the advice and consent of the Budget
Committee and present the budget and committee report to the State Central
Committee for approval.
E. present a written financial report to the State Central Committee at each of its
meetings.
F. deposit all monies in a bank designated by the State Central Committee or the
State Chairperson.
G. An Assistant Treasurer may be appointed by the Chairperson.
5--7. Removal of State Officers.
A. Reasons. A state officer may be removed from office for any of the following
reasons:
1. intentional conduct in violation of these rules or the law.
2. nonfeasance.
3. aiding or supporting any political party other than the Democratic Party.
4. aiding or supporting any candidate opposing a nominee of the
Democratic Party.
5. conviction of a felony.
B. Procedures. A state officer shall be removed under the following procedures:
1. A written petition shall be filed by five (5) members of the State Central
Committee by delivery of the original petition to the highest ranking officer of the state
party not named in the petition, with a copy to the officer named as violator in the
petition.
2. The petition shall name the alleged violator and specify the conduct
constituting the violation. It shall be signed by the petitioner and be delivered at least
fifteen (15) days prior to any regularly scheduled State Central Committee meeting.
3. The officer receiving the original petition shall present the petition or a copy
thereof to the State Central Committee at its next meeting. If no State Central
Committee meeting is scheduled, the officer shall call for one to be held within forty--five
(45) days from the date of delivery of the original petition to the officer.
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4. After a hearing, the State Central Committee shall vote to determine if a

violation has occurred. For purposes of this vote a quorum shall be three--fourths (3/4)
of the entire membership. The State Central Committee shall decide by a two--thirds
(2/3) non--secret vote of all members present. No proxies shall be permitted in
determining a quorum or in voting. If the State Central Committee decides thata
violation has occurred, the officer shall be considered removed.
5. Upon the removal of an officer, the office shall be declared vacant and filled in
the manner as provided in Rule 5--8.B.
5--8. Vacancies in State Offices.
A. A vacancy exists in a state office when a state officer:
1. is removed in accordance with Rule 5--7,
2. ceases to reside in New Mexico,
3. resigns or dies,
4. publicly announces candidacy for state--wide or national office or when
the office in question had not been filled initially at the scheduled election.
B. If a vacancy exists in the offices of Chairperson or Vice--Chairperson At-Large, the highest--ranking state officer shall call a meeting of the State Central
Committee to fill the vacancy. If a vacancy exists in the office of District Vice-Chairperson, the Chairperson shall call a meeting of State Central Committee
members only from the affected Congressional District. If a vacancy exists in the offices
of Treasurer or Secretary, the remaining state officers shall fill the vacancy. All elections
to fill a vacancy shall be for the unexpired term and shall be held within sixty (60) days
of the occurrence of the vacancy.
RULE 6. STATE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
6--1. Members. The State Executive Committee shall be composed of all State
Officers, all County
Chairpersons, the two Democratic National Committeepersons, the President of the
New Mexico Federation of Democratic Women, and the President of the Young
Democrats of New Mexico. In addition, those statewide elected Democratic officials who
are members of the State Central Committee shall participate in the proceedings of the
State Executive Committee including the making of motions and voting. They shall
not be counted in determining the quorum (Rule 20) of the committee. Membership on
the Committee is not subject to the requirement of equal division of men and women
(Appendix A).
6--2. Chairperson. The State Chairperson shall preside at all meetings of the
committee but shall vote only in the case of a tie.
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6--3. Secretary. The State Secretary shall be the secretary of the committee.
6--4. Powers and Authority. The committee shall advise the State Chairperson as
to all matters and responsibilities assigned to the Chairperson by these rules and shall
also perform such duties from time to time as are delegated to it by the State Central
Committee. The committee shall keep a record of its proceedings. The committee shall
meet frequently and be active in the conduct of the business of the party.
6--5. Meetings. The committee shall hold its meetings upon the call of the State
Chairperson or by a call initiated by petition of a majority of the members. All voting
shall be non--secret. With the advance consent of the entire Committee, meetings may
be held by telephone or video conference call, and shall be considered as legitimate as
meetings in person. A quorum, whether attendance is in--person or by the
telephone or video method, shall consist of twenty--five percent (25%) of the members
of the Committee with the additional requirement of at least one representative from a
majority of the counties. The Chairperson shall have the authority to levy an
assessment equal for all members to defray the cost of any meeting.
RULE 7. STATE CONVENTIONS
7--1. Procedure.
A. Call. The State Chairperson shall issue a call for a State Convention in
accordance with law and these rules. The call shall be mailed to each County
Chairperson and to each member of the State Central Committee. It shall be issued at
least sixty (60) days prior to the date of the convention, and shall specify the time, place
and general purposes of the convention. Publication of notice shall be according to Rule
2--4.E
The call may be amended only by a three--fourths (3/4) vote of the convention. The
Chairperson shall have the authority to levy an assessment equal for all delegates to
defray the cost of the meeting.
B. Scheduling. A Pre--Primary Election Nominating Convention shall be held at
least sixty (60) days prior to the primary election. A Post--Primary Election Convention
shall be held in years when delegates to a National Convention are to be selected.
C. Elected Delegates. A uniformly proportional number of delegates to be
elected from each county shall be based on a formula giving equal weight to the county
votes for Democratic candidates in the most recent gubernatorial and presidential
elections.
D. Alternate Delegates. Alternate delegates are those who received votes in the
county elections of delegates but who were not elected. Alternate delegates in the
respective counties are rank ordered by the number of votes they received, the highest
vote getter being ranked first in the order of substitution for delegates absent from the
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convention and who have not personally selected alternate delegates.

E. Automatic Delegates. Members of the State Central Committee shall serve as
state--certified automatic delegates to all State Conventions, in addition to those state
delegates elected at the County Conventions, unless prohibited by The Charter & The
Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States. Each county, if its rules so provide,
may designate a certain number of county--certified delegates as automatic delegates
by virtue of being elected to a public office or party position, as long as proportional
representation (Rule 18) is not materially violated. State--certified automatic delegates
do not count against the allocation of delegates to the counties dictated by Rule 7--1.C.
County--certified automatic delegates do count against the allocation of delegates to the
counties dictated by Rule 7--1.C.
7--2. Delegates and Alternate Delegates Credentials and Challenges
A. Certification. The County Chairperson and Secretary shall certify the names,
home postal and e--mail addresses and telephone numbers of the delegates and
alternate delegates to a State Convention from their respective counties. Certification
shall be sent to the DPNM Secretary at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the
convention, and shall include the home postal and e--mail addresses and
telephone number of the County Chairperson or other person who is to serve as
chairperson of the delegation.
B. Challenges. Only a Democrat registered in the county may file a challenge to
a countys delegates or alternate delegates. Any challenge to the certified delegates
and alternate delegates to a State Convention shall be made in writing, and delivered to
state headquarters or the DPNM Secretary at least seventy--two (72) hours prior to the
convention. Challenges shall be referred to the Judicial Council. A challenger shall also
deliver a copy of the challenge to the County Chairperson of the affected county at
least seventy--two (72) hours prior to the date of the convention. The challenge shall
specify the charges and identify by names and addresses the challengers and those
challenged.
C. Adjudication of Challenges. If challenges have been filed, the Judicial Council
shall convene no more than forty--eight (48) hours before the convention at a site
designated by the State Chairperson with notice to all affected parties. After a hearing,
the Judicial Council shall report to the convention the names and addresses of
delegates and alternate delegates who it judges are entitled to participate in the
convention. No challenged delegation may vote upon its own challenge when the
convention considers the report of the Judicial Council. Each challenge,
recommendation and minority report of the Judicial Council shall be considered
separately. All affected parties shall receive the results of adjudication no less than
twelve (12) hours before the convention.
D. Credentials Committee. The Judicial Council shall act as the credentials
committee.
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The committee shall have the assistance of the State Chairperson in providing facilities
and staff assistance for its business.
E. Finality of Decision. There can be no appeal of the decision of a state
convention on a report of the Judicial Council.
7--3. Order of Business.
The order of business shall be set by the call and is suggested as follows:
(1) Call to order by the State Chairperson.
(2) Reading of the call.
(3) Report of the Judicial Council and convention vote thereon.
(4) Introduction of temporary officers selected by the State Chairperson
with the approval of the convention, and election of permanent officers of
the convention.
(5) Submission of written resolutions from the floor to the Chairperson.
(6) Selection by the permanent chairperson of such eleven--member
committee as deemed proper.
(7) Reports of all committees and votes thereon.
(8) Adoption of a platform if the state convention is a Pre--Primary Election
Nominating Convention.
(9) Selection of primary election nominees if the state convention is a Pre-Primary Election Nominating Convention.
(10) Selection of delegates and alternate delegates to a national
convention if the state convention is a Post--Primary Election Convention.
(11) Nomination of Presidential Electors if the state convention is a Post-Primary Election Convention (Chapter 1, Article 15, paragraph 3, Election
Handbook of the State of New Mexico, 2009 Edition and Rule 20),
(12) Other business including consideration of resolutions from the floor.
(13) Adjournment.
7--4. Roll Call.
A. In lieu of balloting, a roll call may be taken, except when balloting is expressly
required by these rules, whereby the electors vote individually by voice vote. The roll
call shall be taken of the counties in an order determined by lot for the first county and
thereafter in alphabetical order of counties, and in numerical sequence of
precincts/wards within each county. A roll call may only be ordered by twenty percent
(20%) or more of the electors present. A pass of the vote shall be allowed only once.
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7--5. Voting.
A. Elections. In the election of delegates and alternate delegates to a National
Convention at the Post--Primary Election Convention, voting shall be non--secret and
conducted according to Rule 19--6.B.2. and the Delegate Selection Plan submitted in
accordance with Rule 8. Delegates and alternate delegates, as separate classes, to a
National Convention shall be equally divided between men and women within a
variance of one (Appendix A). Methods of placing names on the primary election ballot
and the designation of candidates by the Pre--Primary Election Convention are
governed by Chapter 1, Article 8, paragraphs 21 and 21.1, respectively,
Election Handbook of the State of New Mexico, 2009 Edition. Voting shall be non-secret and conducted according to Rule 19--5.B.2.
B. Recount Process. Every candidate for each office to be filled receiving twenty
(20%) percent or more of the votes of the duly elected delegates to the convention shall
be certified to the secretary of state as a convention--designated nominee for that office
by the Democratic party of New Mexico.
Any fraction or decimal greater than one--half of a whole number shall be counted as a
whole number.
Candidates receiving a vote less than the threshold of 20%, but constituting a major
fraction (above 19.5%) shall be rounded to twenty percent.
All vote counting shall be conducted by DPNM staff and observed by the DPNM
attorney, one representative of the DPNM Rules Committee, and one representative of
the DPNM Judicial Council. One representative of each candidate may also be present
as an observer.
Any candidate receiving more than 18.5% but less than or equal to 19.5% and,
believing there may have been vote counting discrepancies, may request a hand
recount by specific congressional districts.
DPNM staff shall conduct the hand recount within 24 hours of the election. The
candidate requesting the recount shall be responsible for reimbursing the DPNM for
staff time not to exceed $200.00 per hour unless the recount changes the election result
in which case the candidate requesting the recount is not responsible for the costs of
the recount. The recount shall provide the final number of valid votes.
C. Alternate Delegates. An alternate delegate elected to a State Convention may
vote if the alternate delegate has been designated by an absent delegate, elected or
automatic, who is from the same county. A delegate is free to designate an alternate
delegate of the delegate's choice. If delegates are absent and have not designated
alternate delegates, the alternate delegates shall fill the delegates' positions
according to Rule 7--1.D. If the rank ordering of alternate delegates at the preceding
County Convention is not determinable, then vacancies that exist for which there have
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been no designations by the absent delegates shall be filled by the drawing of lots from
the county pool of alternate delegates. If no alternate delegates are available to fill
vacancies, the size of the county delegation is diminished accordingly
D. Credentials. An accredited participant in the convention may, after having
appeared at the convention and having established credentials, give said credentials to
another accredited participant from the same county, provided that no person may hold
more than three (3) credentials plus their own at one time.
7--6. Platform.
A platform, if required, shall be adopted by a sixty--percent (60%) non--secret vote
(Rules 7--3 and 16--1.D).
7--7. Minority Reports.
A minority report shall be presented to the convention upon the vote of ten percent
(10%) of the delegates or ten percent (10%) of the members of a committee.
7--8. Distribution of Material.
No printed matter shall be distributed at a convention unless it bears the name(s) of the
author(s).
RULE 8. NATIONAL CONVENTIONS
8--1. Eligibility and Selection as Delegate.
Delegates to national conventions shall be chosen in accordance with The Charter and
The Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States and the State Delegate
Selection Plan submitted by the State Central Committee in accordance with the
Democratic National Committee Rules.
.
8--2. Apportionment of Delegates.
The National Convention delegation shall be apportioned among the three (3)
Congressional Districts based on the sum of the votes cast for the Democratic
candidates in the most recent presidential and gubernatorial general elections.
RULE 9. COUNTY PARTY ORGANIZATION
9--1. Notice of Party Actions.
A. Method of Notification. Each County Chairperson shall cause to be published at least
twice in a newspaper of general circulation in the county, a combined notice of all ward
and precinct meetings and county meetings and conventions to elect any party officers
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or delegates. The first such publication shall be not more than thirty (30) days nor less
than twenty (20) days prior the ward meeting, and the second publication shall be not
more than ten (10) days prior to the ward meeting. The notice shall specify the:
1. public places where meetings and conventions shall be held
2. purposes of such meetings and conventions
3. dates and times of meetings and conventions
4. times and locations of credentials committee meetings
5. times in which challenges must be presented to the credentials
committee.
In counties having newspapers aimed at minority group readership, the County Party
shall also publish the notices in those newspapers. Each County Party shall be
financially responsible for such publication.
B. Proof of Publication. A copy of the page of the newspaper including the
notices of ward meetings and County Conventions shall be sent by the County
Chairperson to the state headquarters or State Chairperson within four (4) days after
each publication. The state headquarters shall maintain a file of such publication which
shall be available for inspection by any registered Democrat.
C. Failure to Comply. If the State Chairperson ascertains that this rule has not
been followed in any county, then the State Chairperson, after consultation with State
Executive Committee members, may direct the holding of ward meetings, County
Central Committee meetings or County Conventions at such times designated by the
State Chairperson, and reasonable notice of such meetings shall be specified by the
State Chairperson.
9--2. County Central Committee
A. Powers and Authority. The County Central Committee is the governing body of
the County Democratic Party when regularly convened in the absence of a convention
in session. It shall have general supervision and control of the political affairs of the
party in the county, except as otherwise provided. By a two--thirds (2/3) vote of all of its
members it may adopt or amend rules for the County Party not in conflict with these
rules.
B. Assessments. The County Central Committee shall have the authority to levy
dues or assessments upon the various recognized party organizations on an equitable
basis.
C. Members. The County Central Committees shall be composed of the
following:
1. ward chairpersons
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2. precinct chairpersons
3. additional committeepersons, as apportioned to the precincts on the
basis of the average of votes cast in each precinct for the Democratic
candidate in the most recent presidential and gubernatorial elections. A
fair apportionment formula shall be set by the county rules and shall be
uniform throughout the county. The apportionment may vary from one
committeeperson for each 200 votes to one committeeperson for each 25
votes, depending on the rules of the county, provided, however, that the
apportionment formula shall not result in more than one--third (1/3) of the
precincts of the county being represented by only one committeeperson.
The membership allotted to the precinct chair is included in the
number of committeepersons apportioned to that precinct.
4. County Chairperson and First Vice--Chairperson.
5. any or all of the following, only if county rules provide:
(a) other County Party officers.
(b) state legislators who reside within the county.
(c) county commissioners.
(d) one or two members selected by and from the New Mexico
Young Democrats, should such an organization exist in the county.
(e) one or two members selected by and from the New Mexico
Federation of Democratic Women, should such organization exist in
the county.
Membership on the Committee is not subject to the requirement of equal
division of men and women (Appendix A).
D. Meetings and Calls. The County Central Committee shall meet upon the call
of the County Chairperson or by a call initiated by the petition of a majority of the
membership. The call shall give reasonable notice and shall be mailed to each member
and shall specify the time, place and purposes of the meeting. Publication of notice shall
be according to Rule 2--4.E The call may be amended only by a three--fourths (3/4)
vote.
E. Proxy. Except as otherwise provided, proxy voting is permitted. A proxy shall
be in writing, signed by the person giving the proxy and filed with the County Secretary.
A proxy shall be valid only when voted by a registered Democrat of the same ward (or
precinct where wards do not exist) as the person giving the proxy, provided that no
person may hold more than three (3) proxies at one time.
F. Election of State Central Committee Members. State Central Committee
members shall be elected at the same meeting and following the election of county
officers as specified in the call of the State Chairperson. The required number of
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committeepersons shall be elected in accordance with Rule 4--2.B. All elections shall be
by non--secret ballot (Rule 19--5.B.2).
Upon the election of State Central Committee members, their names, home postal and
e--mail addresses and phone numbers shall be forwarded to the State Chairperson by
the respective County Chairpersons within seventy--two (72) hours after the election.
9--3. County Standing Committees
A. County Credentials and Rules Revision Committee.
1. Members. Ward chairs, or precinct chairs where wards do not exist,
shall serve as members unless otherwise provided by County Rules.
division of men and women.
2. Chairperson. The County Chairperson shall appoint a Chairperson of
the Committee from among the members. The Committee Chairperson
shall participate in the proceedings of the Committee including the making
of motions and voting, and shall be counted in determining the quorum
(Rule 19).
3. Secretary. A Secretary shall be appointed by the Committee
Chairperson.
4. Powers and Authority. Unless otherwise provided by County Rules, the
Committee shall hear challenges to the election of ward and precinct
officers, act to remove officers in accordance with Rule 12--7, and
deliberate the credentials of all ward/precinct officers, including County
Central Committee members, except that no member of a ward or precinct
whose election is challenged may take part in deliberations regarding that
challenge. The Committee shall serve as a standing committee on rules
revision and, in an advisory capacity, serve the County Chairperson and
Executive Committee as a rules interpretation committee.
5. Meetings. The Committee shall meet prior to the County Central
Committee meeting at a time specified in County Rules or, in the absence
of a rule, by direction of the County Chairperson. If a member cannot
attend a meeting, he/she may designate a proxy from among the qualified
electors from his/her ward or precinct.
B. Convention Credentials and Rules Committee.
1. Members. Unless otherwise provided by County Rules, at the time of
ward/precinct meetings, when one or the purposes of the meetings is to
select delegates to a County Convention, each ward or precinct shall elect
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a member to the Committee from among the elected delegates to the

convention. Membership on the Committee is not subject to the
requirement of equal division of men and women.
(Rule 20).
3. Secretary. The Committee Chairperson shall appoint a Secretary.
4. Powers and Authority. Unless otherwise provided by County Rules, the
Convention Credentials and Rules Committee shall hear challenges to the
election of all delegates to a County Convention, and deliberate the
credentials of all delegates to the convention, except that no member of a
ward or precinct whose election is challenged may take part in
deliberations regarding that challenge.
The Committee may make such recommendations as it deems necessary
to settle disputed elections. All recommendations are subject to final
approval of the Committee for its report to the County Convention.
When so designated by the County Chairperson, the Committee shall
serve as the Convention Rules Committee.
5. Meetings. The Committee shall meet prior to the convention at a time
specified in county rules or, in the absence of a rule, by direction of the
County Chairperson. If a member cannot attend a meeting, he/she may
designate a proxy from among the elected delegates from his/her ward or
precinct.
C. Platform and Resolutions Committee.
1. Members. Unless otherwise provided by County Rules, at the time of
election of ward/precinct officers, each ward or precinct shall elect a
member to the Committee from among the qualified ward or precinct
electors (Rule 19--5.A). Members need not be County Central Committee
members although such members may be members of this Committee.
Committee members are officers of their ward or precinct and shall serve
until a new election of ward/precinct officers is held. A new Committee
shall not be elected at ward or precinct meetings preceding a convention.
division of men and women.
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(Rule 20).
3. Secretary. The Committee Chairperson shall appoint a Secretary.
4. Powers and Authority. The Committee shall consider resolutions and
platform planks reported to it from ward/precinct meetings and formulate
resolutions for presentation to the County Central Committee, and
resolutions and platform planks to a convention.
5. Meetings. The Committee shall meet prior to each County Central
Committee or convention at a time specified in County Rules or, in the
absence of a rule, by direction of the County Chairperson. If a member
cannot attend a meeting, he/she may designate a proxy from among the
qualified electors from his/her ward or precinct.
RULE 10. COUNTY OFFICERS
10--1. Election of County Officers.
A. The County Chairperson shall call a meeting of the County Central
Committee pursuant to the call issued by the State Chairperson for the
selection of county officers and State Central Committee members.
Publication of notice shall be according to Rule 2--4.E. Officers in order of
rank are; (a) Chairperson, (b) a First Vice--Chairperson of the sex
opposite that of the Chairperson, (c) if County Rules
provide, a Second Vice--Chairperson of the sex the same as that of the
Chairperson, (d) Secretary, (e) Treasurer and such other officers as
provided for in the county rules. The County Central Committee shall
elect the Chairperson and Vice--Chairperson. The Chairperson shall
appoint a Secretary and Treasurer. None of the officers need be members
of the County Central Committee prior to being selected. The officers shall
serve for two years or until their successors are elected or appointed. All
voting for officers shall be conducted by non--secret ballot according to
Rule 19--5.B.1.
B. Election of Other Officers as Needed. The County Central Committee
shall be empowered to elect other officers as needed following the
publication of notice according to Rule 2--4.E. If an officer shall be
responsible for a political subdivision ( such as a County Commissioner
district) consisting of a subset of precincts of the county then only those
County Central Committee members residing in that political subdivision
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shall be eligible to vote. If an officer shall be responsible for representing

either all of the county or a peer group (such as labor or veterans) then
elections shall be done at large with the entire County Central Committee
eligible to vote. All candidates nominated for an office shall be members of
the political subdivision or peer group as appropriate. Voting for each of
these officers shall be conducted by non--secret ballot according to Rule
19--5.B.1.
Each officer shall serve for two years or less if his/her duties are
completed. At the end of two years the County Central Committee shall
decide whether each officer is still needed or not. Each officer shall
perform such duties as are fitting for his/her title and as assigned by the
County Chairperson. Each of these officers is not a member of the County
Executive committee unless the County Rules or County Central
Committee directs otherwise. Each officer shall report as directed by the
County Chairperson or the County Executive committee.
10--2. Challenges.
A challenge to a county's election of State Central Committee Members or
county officers shall be made in the same manner as challenges to the election of
delegates and alternate delegates to the State Convention as provided in Rule 7--2.B.
The Judicial Council shall adjudicate the challenge.
10--3. Chairperson -- Powers and Duties
The County Chairperson shall:
A. be the chief executive of the County Party.
B. preside over all meetings of the County Central Committee and the
County Executive Committee, and shall participate in the proceedings of
all other committees including the making of motions and voting unless
otherwise stated in these rules. He/she shall not be counted in
determining the quorum (Rule 20) of any committee nor count as one of
the specified number of committee members unless otherwise stated in
these rules.
C. have general management of all County Party affairs and county
election campaigns.
D. have the power to appoint any committees which the Chairperson
deems necessary or which the County Central Committee may authorize.
E. apportion the County Central Committee in accordance with Rule 9-2.C.3.
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F. refrain from using his/her office to advance the cause of any individual
candidate, including himself/herself, for office in the Democratic Primary
Election.
H. appoint ward and/or precinct officers and County Central Committee
members when new precincts or wards are created in accordance with
New Mexico law and applicable Democratic Party Rules (Rule 12--8C).
10--4. Vice--Chairperson(s) -- Powers and Duties.
The First Vice--Chairperson shall perform all duties assigned by the Chairperson
and shall perform the duties of the Chairperson in his/her absence. The Second Vice-Chairperson shall perform all duties assigned by the Chairperson and shall perform the
duties of the First Vice--Chairperson in his/her absence.
10--5. Secretary -- Powers and Duties
A. record and preserve the minutes of all meetings of the County Central
Committee.
B. keep records of the County Conventions and of the County Executive
Committee and shall perform other duties that may be required by these
bodies.
The Chairperson may appoint an Assistant Secretary.
10--6. Treasurer -- Powers and Duties
A. perform such duties as may be required by the Chairperson and by law.
B. keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures subject
to the supervision and control of the County Central Committee and make
such accounts available for examination by all registered Democrats in the
county upon request.
C. administer and assist in the preparation of the budget authorized by the
County Central Committee and shall deposit all monies in a bank
designated by the County Central Committee or the County Chairperson.
26
D. present a financial report to the County Central Committee at each of

its meetings. The County Chairperson may appoint an Assistant
Treasurer.
10--7. Removal of County Officers and State Central Committee Members
A. Reasons. Any County Officer or County member of the State Central
Committee may be Removed from such office for any of the following
reasons:
1. intentional conduct in violation of these rules or the law.
2. nonfeasance
3. aiding or supporting any political party other than the Democratic
Party.
Democratic Party.
B. Procedures. Any County Officer or member of the State Central
Committee shall be removed under the following procedure:
1. A written petition shall be filed by any registered Democrat(s) in the
county with the State Central Committee by delivery of the original petition
to the highest ranking officer of the County Central Committee not named
in the petition, with a copy to the County member of the State Central
Committee named as violator in the petition.
2. The petition shall name the alleged and specify the conduct constituting
the alleged violation. It shall be signed by the petitioner and shall be
delivered at least fifteen (15) days prior to any regularly scheduled County
Central Committee meeting.
3. The officer receiving the original petition shall present the petition or a
copy thereof to the County Central Committee at its next meeting. If no
County Central Committee meeting is scheduled, the officer shall call for
one to be held within forty--five (45) days from the date of delivery of the
original petition to the officer.
4. After a hearing, the County Central Committee shall vote by non--secret
ballot to determine if a violation has occurred. For purposes of this vote a
quorum shall be a majority of the entire membership. The County Central
Committee shall decide by a two--thirds (2/3) vote of all members present.
27
No proxies shall be permitted in determining a quorum or in voting. If the

County Central Committee determines that a violation has occurred, the
officer or State Central Committee member shall be considered
removed.
5. Upon the removal of an officer or State Central Committee member, the
office shall be declared vacant and filled in the manner as provided in Rule
10--8.
10--8. Vacancies in County Offices and State Central Committee
A. A vacancy exists in a county office or in the State Central Committee
when the officer or committee member:
1. is removed in accordance with Rule 10--7.
2. ceases to reside in the county from which the person was
elected.
3. resigns or dies or when the office in question had not been filled
initially at the scheduled election.
B. A vacancy may also occur in the State Central Committee, if county
rules so provide, if a State Central Committee member fails to attend more
than one State Central Committee meetings without issuing a proxy. In
such cases county rules shall govern the procedures for removal and the
filling of the vacancy.
C. If a vacancy exists in the office of County Chairperson or First Vice-Chairperson, the highest ranking county officer shall call a meeting of the
County Central Committee within sixty (60) days to fill the vacancy.
D. If a vacancy exists in the office of Second Vice--Chairperson,
Secretary, or Treasurer, the Chairperson shall appoint a replacement
within thirty (30) days.
E. If vacancies exist among twenty percent (20%) or more of the members
of the countys State Central Committee delegation, the County
Chairperson shall call a meeting of the County Central Committee within
sixty (60) days to fill the vacancies for the unexpired terms, or the
vacancies may be filled as otherwise provided in the county rules.
10--9. Executive Committee.
The County Central Committee may delegate authority for the conduct
28
of business to a County Executive Committee composed of all the Ward Chairpersons

(or Precinct Chairpersons where wards do not exist) plus additional county officers as
permitted by county rules. The County Chairperson shall preside at meetings of the
Committee at which she/he may make motions and vote and be counted in determining
the quorum (Rule 20). Voting by proxy is prohibited.
RULE 11. COUNTY CONVENTIONS
11--1. Call.
As directed by a state call, the County Chairperson shall issue a call (Rule 9-1.A) for a County Convention to be held at a suitable public place on the date and at a
time set by the State Chairperson, and shall fix a uniformly proportional number of
delegates from each ward (or precinct if wards do not exist), based on a formula
consistent with the election of additional State Central Committee members as provided
in Rule 9--2.C.3. Publication of notice shall be according to Rule 2--4.E.
Only the State Chairperson may reschedule a state--called County Convention for a
particular county if participation would be significantly improved. County--called
conventions, for consideration of county matters, may be called by the County
Chairperson or by written petition of at least two--thirds (2/3) of a county's Ward
Chairpersons (or Precinct Chairpersons where wards do not exist). The scheduling shall
be determined by county rules. A County Convention call may be amended only by a
three--fourths (3/4) vote of the convention.
11--2. Purpose.
County Conventions shall elect delegates to State Conventions, including
Pre--Primary Election Nominating Conventions and Post--Primary Election Conventions,
adopt resolutions, adopt or amend rules of the County Party organization, and conduct
other business pertaining to the county as provided for in the call. If permitted by county
rules, all County Convention delegates selected at the ward and precinct levels may, at
the County Convention, be certified to be delegates to a forthcoming State Convention
without standing for formal election at the County Convention.
11--3. Delegates.
A. Certification. Where delegates have been elected at ward or precinct meetings
the County Secretary shall certify the names and addresses of the delegates from their
respective wards or precincts. The certification shall be delivered to the County
Chairperson and the chairperson of the Convention Credentials/Rules Committee, at
least twenty--four (24) hours before the County Convention convenes, or such earlier
time as county rules may provide.
B. Challenges. A challenge to a ward's (or precinct's) delegates or alternate
delegates may be issued only by a registered Democrat within that ward (or precinct if
29
wards do not exist). Any challenge to the certified delegates and alternate delegates to
a County Convention shall be made in writing, and delivered to the County Chairperson
or any of the Vice--Chairpersons at least twenty--four (24) hours prior to the convention
or such earlier time as county rules may provide. Challenges shall be referred to the
Convention Credentials and Rules Committee. The challenge shall specify the charges
and identify by name and address the challengers and those challenged.
C. Adjudication of Challenges. If challenges have been filed, the Convention
Credentials and Rules Committee shall convene no more than twenty--four (24) hours
before the convention at a site designated by the County Chairperson with notice to all
affected parties. After the hearing, the Committee shall report to the convention the
names and addresses of delegates and alternate delegates who it believes are entitled
to participate in the convention. No challenged delegation may vote upon its own
challenge when the convention considers the report of the Committee. Each challenge,
recommendation and minority report of the Committee shall be considered separately.
11--4. Order of Business.
The order of business shall be set by the call and is suggested as follows:
(1) Call to order by the County Chairperson.
(3) Report of the Credentials Committee and convention vote thereon.
(4) Introduction of temporary officers of the convention selected by the
County
Chairperson and election of permanent officers of the convention.
(5) Reports of all committees and votes thereon.
(6) Adoption of a platform, if the convention is a Pre--Primary Election
Nominating Convention.
(7) Selection of delegates and alternate delegates to a State Convention,
if required.
(8) Other business.
(9) Adjournment.
11--5. Voting.
A. Credentials. An accredited participant in the convention may, after
having appeared at the convention and having established credentials, give said
credentials to another accredited participant from the same ward (or precinct),
provided that no person may hold more than three (3) credentials plus their own
at one time.
B. Elections. In the election of delegates and alternate delegates to a state
convention, except when delegates and alternate delegates elected at the ward
(or precinct) level are merely certified at a County Convention to be delegates
and alternate delegates to a state convention, non--secret voting shall be
30
conducted according to Appendix A. The election of delegates and alternates is

not subject to the requirement of equal division of men and women (Appendix A).
C. Alternate Delegates An alternate delegate elected to a County
Convention may vote if the alternate delegate has been designated by a
delegate, elected or automatic, who is from the same ward or precinct and is
absent from the convention. The delegate is free to designate an alternate
delegate of the delegate's choice. If delegates are absent and have not
designated alternate delegates, the alternate delegates shall fill the delegates'
positions according to Rule 7--1.D. If the rank ordering of alternate delegates at a
County Convention is not determinable, then vacancies that exist for which there
have been no designations by the delegates shall be filled by the drawing of lots
11--6. Minority Reports.
Upon the vote of ten percent (10%) of the delegates to a convention or
members of a committee, a minority report shall be presented to the convention.
11--7. Distribution of Materials.
No printed matter shall be distributed at a convention unless it bears the name(s)
of the author(s).
RULE 12. WARD AND PRECINCT ORGANIZATION
12--1. Application to Wards and Precincts and Substitution of Precincts for
Wards.
This rule shall apply to ward and precinct organization where county rules
provide for wards and/or precincts. In counties where wards do not exist, these rules
apply to precincts, and the word "precinct" may substitute for the word "ward." A County
Party organization may provide in its rules for the replacement of ward meetings with
precinct meetings. In such case, wherever the word "ward" appears in the state rules,
the word "precinct" shall be substituted.
12--2. Election of Ward Officers and County Central Committee Members. The
County Chairperson shall call a meeting of the ward, pursuant to the call of the State
Chairperson, for the selection of ward officers who, in order of rank, are: (a)
Chairperson (b) Vice--Chairperson (c) Secretary, and (d) Treasurer. Publication of
notice shall be according to Rule 2--4.E Qualified electors of the ward shall elect the
ward officer(s). County Central Committee members shall also be elected at this
meeting. If a County Chairperson determines for good cause that precinct, ward
and County Central Committee meetings should not be held separately as provided in
the call of the State Chairperson, then such meetings may be held the same date and
place as the scheduled County Central Committee meeting with the approval of the
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State Chairperson. The election of ward officers and County Central Committee
members is not subject to the requirement of equal division of men and women
(Appendix A).
12--3. Chairperson -- Powers and Duties.
The Ward Chairperson shall:
A. be the chief executive of the ward.
B. preside over all ward meetings and shall participate in the proceedings
of all ward committees including the making of motions and voting unless
otherwise stated in these rules. He/she shall not be counted in determining the
quorum (Rule 20) of any committee nor count as one of the specified number of
committee members unless otherwise stated in these rules.
C. have general management of all ward affairs and election campaigns at
the ward level.
D. have the power to appoint committees.
E. express a personal preference for candidates in the Democratic
Primary Election if she/he so desires.
F. participate, as a member of the County Executive Committee (Rule 10-9), in the appointment of ward and/or precinct officers and County Central
Committee members when new precincts or wards are created in accordance
with New Mexico law and applicable Democratic Party Rules (Rule 12--8C.).
12--4. Vice--Chairperson -- Powers and Duties.
The Vice--Chairperson shall perform all duties assigned by the Chairperson, and
perform the duties of the Chairperson in the Chairperson's absence.
12--5. Secretary -- Powers and Duties.
A. record and preserve the minutes of all meetings of the ward, such
minutes to include the names and addresses of all persons elected at the
meetings.
B. deliver a copy of such minutes to the County Secretary.
C. perform all duties assigned by the Chairperson and as otherwise
provided in these rules.
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12--6. Treasurer -- Powers and Duties.

A. keep full and accurate accounts of all receipts and expenditures and
make such accounts available for examination by all registered Democrats in the
ward upon request.
B. present a financial report to the ward at each of its meetings.
C. perform all duties assigned by the Chairperson.
12--7. Removal of Ward Officers and County Central Committee Members.
A. Reasons. Any ward officer or County Central Committee member may
be removed from office for any of the following reasons:
1. intentional conduct in violation of these rules.
2. nonfeasance
3. aiding or supporting any political party other than the Democratic
Party.
Democratic Party.
B. Procedures. A ward officer or County Central Committee member shall
be removed under the following procedures:
1. A written petition shall be filed by any registered Democrat(s) in
the ward with the County Credentials/Rules Revision Committee by
delivery of the original petition to the County Chairperson, with a copy to
the officer or committee member named as violator in the petition.
2. The petition shall name the alleged violator, specifying the
conduct constituting the violation, and shall be signed by the petitioner(s).
3. The County Chairperson shall call a meeting of the County
Credentials/Rules Revision Committee within thirty (30) days to consider
the petition.
4. After a hearing the County Credentials/Rules Revision
Committee shall vote to determine if a violation has occurred. For
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purposes of this vote, a quorum shall be a majority of the entire committee

membership. The County Credentials/Rules Revision Committee shall
decide by a two--thirds (2/3) vote of all members present. No proxies shall
be permitted in determining the quorum or in voting. If the County
Credentials/Rules Revision Committee decides that a violation has
occurred, the officer or County Central Committee member shall be
considered removed.
5. Upon the removal of an officer or County Central Committee
member the office shall be declared vacant and filled in the manner as
provided in Rule 12--8.
12--8. Vacancies in Ward or Precinct Offices or County Central Committee
A. A vacancy exists in a ward or precinct office or County Central
Committee when a ward or precinct officer or County Central Committee
member:
1. is removed in accordance with Rule 12--7.
2. ceases to reside in the respective ward or precinct.
3. resigns or dies or when the office in question had not been filled initially
at the scheduled election.
B. If a vacancy exists in the office of ward or precinct chairperson, the
ward or precinct vice--chairperson shall succeed to the respective office. If a
vacancy exists in any other ward or precinct office or in the County Central
Committee, the vacancy shall be filled by the Ward Chairperson within thirty (30)
days; if not, by the County Chairperson. Appointments to fill vacancies shall be
for the unexpired term, and in accordance with the residency requirements of
Rule 3.
C. When new precincts or wards are created in a county in accordance
with New Mexico law and applicable Democratic Party Rules, ward and/or
precinct officers and County Central Committee members shall be appointed by
the County Executive Committee within thirty (30) days. A meeting called with
reasonable notice for that purpose shall be conducted by the County Chairperson
who shall not make motions nor vote nor be counted in determining the quorum.
The appointments shall serve until the next election of ward and/or precinct
officers and County Central Committee members.
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12--9. Ward Meetings.

A. Call. The County Chairperson shall issue a call for ward meetings to be
held at suitable public places on the date and at a time set by the State
Chairperson. The call shall be furnished to each Ward Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson at least thirty (30) days in advance of the meeting. The call shall
specify the date, hour, place and purpose of each ward meeting. Publication of
notice shall be according to Rule 2--4.E
If the purpose includes election of delegates and alternates to a convention, the
call shall specify the number of delegates to which each ward is entitled on the
basis of a formula giving equal weight to the vote for Democratic candidates in
the most recent presidential and gubernatorial elections as specified in these
rules. The election of delegates and alternates is not subject to the requirement
of equal division of men and women (Appendix A). A ward meeting may be called
by the Ward Chairperson for consideration of matters pertaining to the ward.
B. Place of Ward Meeting. A ward meeting shall be held in a public
building located within the ward, if possible. The County Chairperson shall have
the authority to designate clusters of wards to collocate ward meetings if greater
efficiency and economy are likely.
C. Conduct of Ward Meetings.
1. Convening. A minimum of two electors are required for a meeting
to be convened. The meeting shall be called to order by the Chairperson,
or in Chairperson's absence or upon the Chairperson's refusal to act, by
the Vice--Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer. If none of the above
officers is present, any elector of the ward may convene the meeting.
2. Presiding Chairperson. The Ward Chairperson shall be the
presiding officer of the ward meeting except that the chairperson shall give
the electors the opportunity to elect an acting chairperson.
3. Order of business. The order of business, as applicable, for any
ward meeting shall be:
(1) Call to order
(3) Election of acting chairperson if requested.
(4) Appointment of Credentials Committee and presentation of
challenges.
(5) Report of Credentials Committee and vote thereon.
(6) Election of ward officers and County Central Committee
members, or election of delegates to a County Convention when
either is required.
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(7) Adoption of resolutions if required or desired.

(8) Remaining business for which the meeting is called.
(9) Adjournment.
12--10. Voting.
A. Proxy. Voting by proxy is prohibited.
B. Method. In selecting members of the County Central Committee or
delegates and alternate delegates to a County Convention the ballots shall be
counted according to Rules 19--4 and 19--5.A.2. The balloting shall be secret
unless waived by unanimous consent.
C. Ballots. Prior to the beginning of the meeting, the Chairperson shall
appoint checkers to verify that the persons present are qualified electors (Rule
3). Each elector shall be verified during the meeting. No ballots or other
identification shall be issued prior to the time of check--in at the meeting. In the
election of ward and/or precinct officers, convention delegates and alternate
delegates, and other County Central Committee members, no ballots shall be
cast until the report of the credentials committee has been voted upon except as
provided in Rule 12--11.
D. Challenged Voters. Persons who are challenged as electors shall have
the right to appear before a Credentials Committee appointed by the acting
chairperson of the meeting. The Credentials Committee shall consist of two or
more ward electors, and shall hear any challenge to the voting qualifications of
any person present. No sooner than thirty minutes after the start of the meeting,
the Credentials Committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the
electors who shall vote to accept or reject each recommendation. Those persons
accepted by the electors shall be issued ballots or identification. The acting
chairperson shall thereupon announce the total number of sets of ballots or
identifications that have been issued, and no more shall be issued.
E. Preserving Ballots. The chairperson of the meeting shall cause all
ballots cast in all elections to be preserved for ninety (90) days after the meeting.
Failure to do so shall result in the meeting being re--held if there is a challenge to
any election held in the meeting.
12--11. Observers.
Upon the request of the Ward Chairperson or two (2) other electors in the
ward, the County Chairperson shall designate an impartial observer from another
ward to assist in the conduct of the ward meeting. The designated observer may
vote in the observer's own ward meeting by delivering to the chairperson of the
observer's ward prior to the meeting the observer's ballot concerning all matters
specified in the call.
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12--12. Elections.
A. Order of Elections. Election of Precinct, Ward, and County Central
Committee members will be held in the following order:
1) Ward Officers
2) Precinct Officers
3) Precinct County Central Committee members, up to the precinct
allotted number of members
B. Ward
B.1 -- Election of Ward Officers
Ward elections shall be held according to Rules 19--4 and 19--5. Ward
elections will be decided by majority vote. Voting shall be by secret ballot,
which may be waived only by unanimous consent. Nominations and
elections of Ward Officers shall be in order of descending rank:
Chairperson, Vice--Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, and Standing
Committee members. The elected Ward Chairperson is an automatic
member of the County Central Committee. The Ward Chairpersons seat
on County Central Committee will not count against the total number of
seats allocated to the Precinct the Chairperson is from. The election of
ward officers is not subject to the requirement of equal division of men and
women.
C. Precinct Elections
C.1 -- Election of Precinct Officers
Election of Precinct Officers shall be held as the first order of business
when the Precinct meets for the purpose of holding elections. Elections
shall be decided by majority vote (Rule 19--1). Voting shall be by secret
ballot, which may be waived only by unanimous consent (Rule 19--4).
Nominations and elections shall be in order of descending rank:
Chairperson, Vice--Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Standing
Committee members. The elected Precinct Chairperson is an automatic
member of the County Central Committee. Election of Precinct Officers
does not require equal division of men and women.
C.2 -- Election of County Central Committee members
If a precinct is entitled to only one County Central Committee member, the
elected Chairperson is the automatic member of the County Central
Committee. If the precinct is entitled to more than one County Central
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Committee member then the membership of the Precinct Chair is included

in the total number of members allotted to the Precinct. If a precinct is
entitled to more than one County Central Committee member, the election
of the additional members shall be held according to Rules 19--5. The
vote for additional CCC members from the Precinct is by secret ballot
which may be waived only by unanimous consent. The candidate with the
most votes is declared elected. The candidate with the next most votes is
then declared elected and soon until all positions are filled. (Rule 19--5
A2) Election of County Central Committee members does not require
equal division of men and women.
12--13. Violation of Rules.
If these rules or rules of a county are violated at a ward meeting, and such
violation(s) are of a nature as to materially change the outcome of the meeting, the
meeting shall be re--held under the supervision of unbiased representatives of the
County Central Committee appointed by the County Chairperson.
12--14. Failure to Hold Ward or Precinct Meetings.
If a ward or precinct meeting is not held pursuant to a call to elect ward or
precinct officers and County Central Committee members, the County Chairperson
shall reschedule one. If the meeting is again not held, the County Central Committee
shall elect the officers and members according to Rule 19--5.A.1 and/or Rule 19--5 A.2.
If a ward fails to hold a meeting pursuant to a call to elect convention delegates, the
County Chairperson shall reschedule one. If the meeting is again not held, no delegates
shall be elected from that ward. However, any automatic delegates from that ward
shall be entitled to participate in the convention.
RULE 13. FILLING VACANCIES FOR NOMINEES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE
13--1. Vacancies Filled by State Central Committee.
If a vacancy on the general election ballot occurs for a federal, state, district, or
multi--county legislative district office, the nominee for the office shall be chosen by a
vote of those State Central Committee members from the geographical area
corresponding to the jurisdiction of the office that has been vacated. The State
Chairperson, as presiding officer of the State Central Committee, shall file the name of
the nominee selected for the office with the proper filing officer. (Chap. 1, Article 8,
Election Handbook of the State of New Mexico, 2005 Edition.)
13--2. Vacancies Filled by County Central Committee.
If a vacancy on the general election ballot occurs for a magistrate, county, or a
legislative district office where such district is entirely within the boundaries of a single
county, the nominee for the office shall be chosen by a vote of those County Central
38
Committee members from the geographical area corresponding to the jurisdiction of the
office that has been vacated. The County Chairperson, as presiding officer of the
County Central Committee, shall file the name of the nominee selected for the office
with the proper filing officer. (Chap. 1, Article 8, Paragraphs 7 & 8 Election Handbook of
the State of New Mexico, 2009 Edition.)
13--3. Call for a Meeting.
A meeting to fill a vacancy according to Rule 13--1 shall be called by the State
Chairperson. A meeting to fill a vacancy according to Rule 13--2 shall be called by the
County Chairperson.
RULE 14. JUDICIAL COUNCIL
14--1. Powers and Duties.
The Judicial Council shall adjudicate disputes arising from the
interpretation or application of Democratic Party Rules at all levels within the state. The
decisions of the Judicial Council shall be subject to appeal by an aggrieved party only to
a State Convention or the State Central Committee whose decision shall be final. The
functions of the Judicial Council shall include but not be limited to the following:
A. Review challenges concerning the election of:
1. delegates to a State Convention.
2. State Central Committee members.
3. County officers.
4. County Central Committee members.
B. Interpret rules upon the written request of the State Chairperson or at least
five (5) County Chairpersons.
Unless otherwise requested by the State Chairperson or at least five (5) county
Chairpersons, the Judicial Council shall review on appeal only those challenges that
were first presented to a County Central Committee or County Convention for action
prior to appeal to the Judicial Council.
14--2. Members.
The Judicial Council shall be composed of the following members with each
Congressional District being represented by no fewer than three (3) members.
Membership on the Committee is not subject to the requirement of equal division of men
and women:
A. The State Vice--Chairperson At--Large who shall preside at all meetings.
B. All District Vice--Chairpersons.
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C. Three (3) persons, at least one of whom shall also be a member of the State
Rules Committee, appointed by the State Chairperson after the election of state officers.
The State Chairperson shall also appoint three (3) alternate members of his/her
choice to the Council. Members of the Council shall serve for a term of two (2) years.
No one whose elected or appointed position is contested may vote on that
contest at any meeting of the Council. Vacancies occurring on the council shall be filled
for the balance of the term in the same manner as that used in filling the position
initially.
14--3 Procedures.
The Judicial Council shall review challenges and adjudicate disputes. In each
case the Judicial Council shall provide an opportunity for a hearing for all sides of an
issue to be presented.
The Judicial Council shall issue an order either dismissing or affirming any challenges
and directing an appropriate remedy where applicable.
RULE 15. STATE RULES COMMITTEE
15--1 Powers and Authority.
The duties of the State Rules Committee shall include the following:
A. Recommend revisions to the DPNM Rules.
B. Assist counties in adopting and amending county rules.
C. Draft the Delegate Selection Plan and such other plans required for
submission and approval by the State Central Committee and/or the Democratic
Party of the United States.
D. Perform such other duties assigned by the State Chairperson.
15--2 Members.
A State Rules Committee, and its Chairperson from among its members,
shall be appointed by the State Chairperson and announced at the first State
Central Committee meeting following the election of state officers. It shall be
composed of eleven (11) members at least one of whom shall be a licensed
attorney in the State of New Mexico. Membership on the Committee is not
subject to the requirement of equal division of men and women. However, at
least four of all the members must be of each gender. Statewide geographic
diversity among the members shall be a goal with each Congressional District
being represented by at least three (3) members.
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15--3 Meetings.
The committee shall hold its meetings upon the call of the State Chairperson, the
Rules Committee Chairperson, or by a call initiated by petition of three--quarters (3/4) of
its members. All voting shall be non--secret. The quorum for meetings is a majority of all
the members whether attendance is in--person or by the telephone or video method.
Committee members are expected to attend all meetings.
Three consecutive absences will cause a committee position to be considered vacated.
The removal will go into effect upon majority vote of the Rules Committee.
The Rules Committee shall meet at least once per quarter at a meeting to be called by
the Committee Chair or by a majority of the Committee Members (50% +1). All voting
shall be non-secret. The quorum for meetings is a majority of all members whether
attendance is in-person or by the telephone or video method. Committee members are
expected to attend all meetings. Three consecutive absences will cause a committee
position to be considered vacated. The removal will go into effect upon a majority vote
of the Committee.
RULE 16. STATE PLATFORM AND RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE
16--1 Powers and Authority.
In preparation for State Conventions, the State Resolutions Committee
shall:
A. Submit recommendations on issues to the State Convention for
adoption either as resolutions or as planks in the platform of the
Democratic Party.
B. Conduct at least one platform hearing per year in each Congressional
District.
C. Invite experts to speak on issues of interest at the hearings and invite
the press, the general public, candidates and elected officials to attend.
D. Consider resolutions passed by formal meetings and conventions or
proposed by individual Democrats, and draft a platform for submission to
the Pre--Primary Election Nominating Convention.
16--2 Members.
The State Resolutions Committee shall be composed of fifteen (15) members as
follows:
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A. The State Chairperson

B. Nine (9) members elected by the State Central Committee after the
election of state officers: (a) two (2) members of opposite gender from each
Congressional District elected by the respective members of the State Central
Committee from each Congressional District, and three (3) members elected at-large.
C. Five (5) members appointed by the State Chairperson. The State
Chairperson shall make these appointments within thirty (30) days following the
meeting at which the election of the other members takes place. One of the
appointees shall be designated as the temporary chairperson of by the State
Chairperson and shall serve as such until the committee elects its chairperson at
the first meeting.
D. Committee members need not be members of the State Central
Committee and shall serve for a period of two (2) years or until the next meeting
of the State Central Committee at which an election of committee members takes
place
E. Vacancies among elected members shall be filled by alternate
members who were those candidates for election to the committee who received
votes but were not elected. Ranking for eligibility to fill vacancies shall be in order
of votes received, the first ranked being the alternate member with the most
votes. Elected positions left vacant for more than thirty (30) days shall be filled by
the State Chairperson. In either case, the requirement of proper Congressional
District and at--large representation (Rule 16--2.B) shall be fulfilled. Vacancies
among appointed members shall be filled by the State Chairperson. The
appointment of a committee member to fill a vacancy on the committee shall be
posted on the DPNM web site and announced at the next State Central
Committee meeting.
16--3. Meetings
A. Meetings may be called by the State Chairperson, the committee

chairperson or by a call initiated by a quorum of the committee members. The
first meeting shall be called within six (6) weeks after the committee is selected.
The committee chairperson shall be elected at that first meeting. A quorum
for meetings is a majority of all members, whether attendance is in--person or by
teleconference--call. Committee members are expected to attend all meetings.
Three consecutive absences will cause a committee position to be considered
vacated. The removal will go into effect upon majority vote of the State Platform
and Resolutions Committee.
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B. Notice of meetings shall be posted on the DPNM web site at least ten
(10) days in advance of the meeting. Committee members shall be notified in
writing (postal or email) ten (10) days in advance of the meeting.
C. The Platform and Resolutions Committee shall meet at least once per
quarter at a meeting to be called by the Committee Chair or by a majority of the
Committee Members (50% +1). The first meeting shall be called within six (6)
weeks after the committee is selected. The committee chairperson shall be
elected at the first meeting. All voting shall be non-secret. The quorum for
meetings is a majority of all members whether attendance is in-person or by the
telephone or video method. Committee members are expected to attend all
meetings. Three consecutive absences will cause a committee position to be
considered vacated. The removal will go into effect upon a majority vote of the
Committee.
Rule 17. BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

17--1 Purpose
A. To assist the State Central Committee in fulfilling its responsibility
regarding financing of the DPNM including, but not limited to:
1. Assuring that the SCC members are provided accurate and adequate
financial information to allow them to make an informed decision when asked to
approve the proposed DPNM budget,
2. Planning, scheduling and estimating the cost of Party activities with
emphasis on grassroots party building,
3. Raising funds for the activities authorized by the SCC,
4. Establishing priorities in the event that funds are not adequate to
support all planned activities.
A. Provide advice and consent to a two (2) year rolling budget to begin in
January of the year following the year in which party officers are elected. The
yearly budget will be reviewed at all meetings of the Budget and Finance
Committee and an annual shall be submitted for approval by the State Central
Committee at the fall meeting.
B. Provide oversight of the financial activities including a review of the
quarterly financial report.
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C. Prepare a Budget and Finance Committee Report for the State Central
Committee for the Spring and Fall meetings.
D. Authorize an annual audit of the financial records
17--3 Members
The Budget and Finance Committee shall be composed as follows:
A. The State Party Treasurer, who shall be the Chair of the Budget and
Finance Committee.
B. Two (2) members of opposite gender from each Congressional District
elected by the respective members of the State Central Committee from
the Congressional District.
C. Four (4) members appointed by the State Chairperson. Appointments
shall be gender balanced. The State Chairperson shall make these
appointments within thirty (30) days following the meeting at which the
election of the other members takes place.
D. Committee members serve for a period of two years or until the next
meeting of the State Central Committee at which an election of committee
members takes place.
E. Committee members are expected to attend all meetings. Three
consecutive absences will cause a committee position to be considered
vacated. The removal will go into effect upon majority vote of the Budget
and Finance Committee.
F. Vacancies shall be filled in the following manner:
1. for elected positions, the vacancy shall be filled by the Budget
Committee Chairperson, and be from the same Congressional District and
of the same gender as the vacating member.
2. for an appointed position, the vacancy shall be filled by the State
Chairperson, and be of the same gender as the vacating member.
17--4 Meetings
The committee shall hold at least four (4) meetings a year at the call of the
Committee Chairperson. Meetings may also be held at the call of the State
Chairperson, or by a call initiated by a quorum of the committee members. The
first meeting shall be called within six (6) weeks after the committee is formed. All
44
voting shall be non--secret. The committee shall keep a record of its

proceedings. A quorum for meetings is a majority of all members whether
attendance is in--person or by conference--call. If the committee is unable
to meet the required quorum at a scheduled meeting the committee may meet as
a subcommittee, discuss issues and accept comments from any Democrat who
wishes to speak. The subcommittee will make a report to the full committee at
the next opportunity.
The Budget and Finance Committee shall meet at least once per quarter at a
meeting to be called by the Committee Chair or by a majority of the Committee
Members (50% +1). The first meeting shall be called within six (6) weeks after
the committee is selected. All voting shall be non-secret. The Committee shall
keep a record of its proceedings. The quorum for meetings is a majority of all
members whether attendance is in-person or by the telephone or video method.
If the Committee is unable to meet the required quorum at a scheduled meeting
the Committee may meet as a sub-committee, discuss issues and accept
comments from any Democrat who wishes to speak. The subcommittee will
make a report to the full Committee at the next opportunity. Committee members
are expected to attend all meetings. Three consecutive absences will cause a
committee position to be considered vacated. The removal will go into effect
upon a majority vote of the Committee.
RULE 18 PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION
The policy of the DPNM is to preserve equitable minority representation at all
levels of the convention and meeting processes, and to that end committees and
delegations to conventions shall be selected, insofar as reasonably possible, to
represent proportionally any vote. Except as otherwise provided in these rules or in
rules governing a National Convention there shall be no automatic delegates to any
convention.
RULE 19. ELECTIONS AND VOTING
19--1 Majority Vote.
Unless otherwise provided in these rules, all issues and elections shall be
decided by majority vote. If runoffs are required in an election, they shall be among
those candidates with the greatest number of votes, the sum of which is the smallest
majority of all the votes cast.
19--2 Tie Votes.
For any election required under these rules which results in a tie between two or
more candidates, the winner shall be determined by lot.
19--3 Prohibition of the Unit Rule.
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Voting by the unit rule, whereby a delegate or committee member is required to

cast a vote contrary to her/his expressed preference, is prohibited in all conventions and
meetings.
19--4 Secret Ballot.
A secret ballot, for issues and elections, shall be required only at ward and
precinct meetings where the elector represents himself/herself only, and may be waived
only by unanimous consent. A non--secret ballot shall be required when the elector
represents one or more other Democrats.
19--5 Elections.
A. Secret Elections (Ward and Precinct Meetings).
1. Only One Person to be Elected to Office. Each elector votes by elector-identified ballot for only one candidate. In anticipation of run--offs, several
differently colored ballots are issued, a single color to be used for each round of
voting. All ballots are individually inscribed in advance by the Party with an
electors name and the party subdivision she/he represents; for example, the
ward or county. The ballots, including the similarly inscribed ballots of electors
voting by proxy, are issued at the time of registration for the meeting or
convention.
2. More than One Person to be Elected to Office. Each elector votes by
secret ballot for only one candidate as when voting for County Central Committee
members from precincts or wards (Rule 12--12.B). The candidate with the most
votes is declared elected. The candidate with the next most votes is then
declared elected and so on until all positions are filled
B. Non--Secret Elections.
1. Only One Person to be Elected to Office. Each elector votes by elector-identified ballot for only one candidate (Rule 19--1). In anticipation of runoffs,
several differently colored ballots are issued, a single color to be used for each
round of voting. All ballots are individually inscribed in advance by the Party with
an electors name and the party subdivision she/he represents; for example, the
ward or county. The ballots, including the similarly inscribed ballots of electors
voting by proxy, are issued at the time of registration for the meeting or
convention.
2. More than One Person to be Elected to Office. Voting shall be
conducted according to Appendix A including, if required by these Rules,
conformance with the requirement of equal division of men and women. A non-
46
-secret ballot as described above may not be waived in favor of a secret ballot
under any circumstances.
RULE 20. QUORUM AND CONDUCT OF MEETINGS
Unless otherwise specified in these rules, a quorum of a body, including written
proxies when permitted, shall be 30% of a state bodys membership, and 40% of county
bodys membership. Meetings of state standing committees excluding all conventions
and central committee meetings may be held by telephone or video conferencing if
deemed advisable by the respective chairpersons of these committees.
Elected or appointed persons affected by reason of any challenge who are also
members of the body that shall adjudicate the challenge shall not vote in any contest
until those persons' credentials are approved. In such cases, for the purpose of quorum,
the body adjudicating the challenge shall be deemed reduced in size by the number of
positions being challenged.
RULE 21. NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTORS
The State Central Committee shall elect for confirmation by the Democratic
National Committee a National Committeewoman and a National Committeeman for
New Mexico. The election shall be held in the calendar year of the National Convention
at a State Central Committee meeting which precedes the election of delegates to the
National Convention. In such years a slate of nominees for Presidential Electors shall
be submitted for nomination to the Post--Primary Convention by the State Chairperson
(Chapter 1, Article 15, paragraphs 3.A and 3.B, Election Handbook of the State of New
Mexico, 2009 Edition).
A vacancy occurring for National Committeeman or National Committeewoman
shall be filled by majority vote of the State Central Committee. A vacancy among, or
absence of, Presidential Electors shall be filled according to Chapter 1, Article 15,
paragraphs 6.C and 7, Election Handbook of the State of New Mexico, 2009 Edition.
RULE 22. RESOLUTIONS
Resolutions from the floor of a State Central Committee meeting or State
Convention shall require written submission to the chairperson prior to the report of the
Resolutions Committee. Before the resolution may be debated, the meeting or
convention shall approve by two--thirds (2/3) vote consideration of the resolution.
Resolutions from the floor shall be presented after the report of the Resolutions
Committee. Rules with respect to limitations as to time allotted for debate, number of
speakers, etc. shall be addressed in the standing rules of the meeting or convention.
RULE 23. ROBERT'S RULES OF ORDER
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In all meetings and conventions the current Robert's Rules of Order, Revised shall
govern except where the matter is covered by these rules or the respective county
rules.
RULE 24. DEMOCRATIC CLUBS AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS
24--1. Authorization.
A state--wide or county--wide organization wishing to be identified as a
Democratic Club or affiliated organization of the state party or a county party may do so
only upon the approval of the State Central Committee or, as the case may be, the
County Central Committee where the organization exists. Authorization shall be granted
by the appropriate central committee upon the approval of the by--laws of the
organization which shall not conflict with The Charter & Bylaws of The Democratic Party
of the United States, the state party or the applicable county party, or the laws of the
United States and the State of New Mexico.
The by--laws of each such organization shall contain at least:
(1) the purpose(s) of the organization,
(2) a description of the membership,
(3) the officers of the organization and a procedure for electing them and
filling vacancies, and
(4) a statement that the organization shall abide by the Rules of the
Democratic Party of the United States, the State of New Mexico and, as
the case may be, the County in which the organization exists. Approval of
the by--laws by the State Central committee or a County Central
Committee shall not automatically entitle the organization to
representation on the applicable central committee.
24--3 Termination and Revocation.
An authorized Democratic Club or affiliated organization may terminate its
affiliation with the state party or a county Party by majority vote of its membership
or as otherwise provided in its by--laws. An organization's affiliation may also be
revoked upon a majority vote of the applicable central committee upon a showing
of good cause.
RULE 25. AFFIRMATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE
25--1. Purpose
A. To reach out to any and all American Citizens, especially minorities to
take an active part in the ongoing political process of the Democratic Party of
New Mexico.
48
B. To insure that the process of selecting delegates to the National

Convention of The Democratic Party and to all state and county conventions is
open to all minority groups.
C. To encourage full participation by all Democrats as described in The
Charter & Bylaws of The Democratic Party of The United States.
25--2. Powers and Authority
A. Prepare and implement an aggressive Outreach and Affirmative Action
Program.
B. Report to the State Central Committee plans and results. Reports shall
be delivered by Committee Chairperson or their designee.
C. Meet the requirements of Article Eight, Full Participation, of The Charter
& Bylaws of The Democratic Party of The United States.
D. Make recommendations to DPNM Rules Committee and Platform and
Resolutions Committee on actions items which further the scope of the
Affirmative Action Committee.
25--3. Members
The Affirmative Action Committee shall consist of fifteen (15) voting members.
Ten (10) shall be elected by the State Central Committee at which an election of State
Officers takes place. Each Congressional District shall be represented by two (2)
members and four (4) members shall be elected at--large, with elected members being
subject to equal gender division. Five (5) shall be appointed by the State Chairperson,
one of whom shall be on the staff of the Democratic Party of New Mexico. Members
appointed by the State Chairperson serve at the State Chairpersons pleasure. The
State Chairperson shall make these appointments within thirty (30) days of the election
of state officers. One of the elected members shall be designated as Temporary
Chairperson of the committee by the State Chairperson at the time of the election. At
the first meeting of the committee the members shall elect the Committee Chairperson,
Vice--Chair and Secretary.
The Chairperson and Vice--Chair shall be of opposite gender. Committee
members need not be members of the State Central Committee. Committee members
serve for a period of two years or until the next meeting of the State Central Committee
at which an election of committee members takes place. The State Chairperson shall be
a non--voting participant of the committee. The committee shall have gender diversity
(at least five (5) women and five (5) men).
49
25--4. Meetings
The committee shall hold meetings upon the call of the State Chairperson, the
Affirmative Action Committee Chairperson, Vice--Chair or by a call initiated by a quorum
of the committee members. The first meeting shall be called within four (4) weeks after
the committee is selected. All voting shall be non--secret. A quorum of meetings is a
majority of all members whether attendance is in--person or by conference--call.
Committee members are expected to attend all meetings. Three consecutive
absences will cause a committee position to be considered vacant. The removal will go
into effect upon majority vote of the Affirmative Action Committee.
The Affirmative Action Committee shall meet at least once per quarter at a
meeting to be called by the Committee Chair, Vice-Chair or by a majority of the
Committee Members (50% +1). The first meeting shall be called within four (4) weeks
after the committee is selected. The committee chairperson shall be elected at the first
meeting. The committee chairperson shall be elected at the first meeting. All voting shall
be non-secret. The quorum for meetings is a majority of all members whether
attendance is in-person or by the telephone or video method. Committee members are
expected to attend all meetings. Three consecutive absences will cause a committee
position to be considered vacated. The removal will go into effect upon a majority vote
of the Committee.
APPENDIX A
PROPORTIONAL REPRESENTATION BY PREFERENTIAL BALLOTING
This appendix describes the method for implementing Rule 19--6.B.2: Elections;
Non--Secret Elections; More than One Person to be Elected to Office. Proportional
representation (Rule 18) provides a way of conducting elections that insures the
accommodation of different points of view in proportion to the numbers of electors
reflecting such viewpoints. The preferential ballot further promotes such fairness. When
more than one person is to be elected to office, the individual candidates need only
gather a certain number of votes (the allocation) to guarantee election as described in
detail below. The allocation number is calculated and announced by the presiding
officer for the election of the required number of delegates or committeepersons when
the total number of electors present is established.
Allocation and Balloting.

In anticipation of the need for more than one election, several differently
colored ballots are issued, a single color to be used for each round of voting. All ballots
are individually inscribed in advance by the party with an electors name and the party
subdivision she/he represents; for example, ward or county. The ballots, including the
similarly inscribed ballots of electors voting by proxy, are issued at the time of
registration for the meeting or convention. Each elector may list as many candidates,
50
men and/or women, he/she wishes in descending order of the electors preference. To
maximize the effect of proportional representation the elector is encouraged to list many
rather than few candidates. To guarantee election a candidate requires a number of
votes equal to the allocation A defined as V divided by (N+1), increased to the next-higher whole number whether V divided by (N+1) is itself a whole number or fractionally
larger than a whole number. V is the number of electors present including proxies (not
the number of those actually voting), and N is the required number of people to be
elected to the office. The allocation is therefore:
A = V , increased to the next higher whole number N+1
Examples:
(a) If 250 electors are to elect 15 people, 250 = 15.6. The increase to 16 yields
allocation A. 15+1
(b) If 220 electors are to elect 10 people, 220 = 20. The increase to 21 yields
allocation A. 10+1
All candidates names are prominently posted. The chairperson announces the
allocation based on V and N and voting begins. As ballots are filled out they are
deposited in a single container. When all ballots are so deposited, they are
randomized as, for example, by a shaking of the container. In the presence of
observers ballots are withdrawn one at a time, a number is written on each ballot
in consecutive order, and the top candidate name along with the name of the
elector are announced. A tally mark is placed next to this candidates name on
the ballot and on the posted candidate list and the ballot is set aside, not to be
tallied again. A ballot which does not bear a party-inscribed electors name and
party subdivision, or bears an altered or defaced electors name or party
subdivision shall not be counted. (The numbering of the ballots in the order in
which they are tallied permits a recount, if necessary, under identical conditions.)
When the accumulated vote for a candidate reaches the allocation, that
candidate is declared elected and the result is recorded on the posted list. No
further votes shall be accepted for that candidate on subsequent ballots. The
process continues with each top choice among those still in contention being
counted until all the ballots are tallied.
If all the available positions have not been filled by candidates who have reached
the allocation, those with the largest numbers of votes short of the allocation shall
be declared elected to the remaining positions.
A non--secret ballot as described above may not be waived in favor of a secret
ballot under any circumstances.
Equal Division of Men and Women.
51
In elections where equal numbers of men and women must be elected as

specified in these rules or as required by Democratic National Committee Rules
for a national convention, the tallies of votes for women and men are considered
separately. If N is an even number, each sex is entitled to half the positions
regardless of how many, or whether any, candidates of either sex achieve the
allocation. If N is an odd number each sex is entitled, at minimum, to half of N--1
positions with the one remaining position being filled by the candidate with the
highest number of votes among all those not yet elected (men and women
together). In the event of a tie Rule 19--3 applies. The result is equal division of
women and men within a variance of not more than one.
Additional Elections.
If in any of the above cases of elections of more than one person to an office
all the positions are not filled, another similarly conducted election is held to fill
the remaining positions, the number of which being a smaller value of N than in
the previous election; V might be different as well. A recalculation of A is required
for such an additional election.
52

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RULES OF THE

RULE 22 RESOLUTIONS ..............p.47

RULES OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO

A. The Chairperson and First Vice--Chairperson of each county:

G. Two members selected by and from the New Mexico Federation of

RULE 5. STATE OFFICERS

F. serve on the Democratic National Committee.

4. After a hearing, the State Central Committee shall vote to determine if a

convention and who have not personally selected alternate delegates.

a member to the Committee from among the elected delegates to the

2. Chairperson. The County Chairperson shall appoint a Chairperson of

shall be eligible to vote. If an officer shall be responsible for representing

D. present a financial report to the County Central Committee at each of

No proxies shall be permitted in determining a quorum or in voting. If the

of business to a County Executive Committee composed of all the Ward Chairpersons

conducted according to Appendix A. The election of delegates and alternates is

12--6. Treasurer -- Powers and Duties.

purposes of this vote, a quorum shall be a majority of the entire committee

12--9. Ward Meetings.

(7) Adoption of resolutions if required or desired.

Committee member then the membership of the Precinct Chair is included

A. The State Chairperson

A. Meetings may be called by the State Chairperson, the committee

Rule 17. BUDGET AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

voting shall be non--secret. The committee shall keep a record of its

Voting by the unit rule, whereby a delegate or committee member is required to

B. To insure that the process of selecting delegates to the National

Allocation and Balloting.

In elections where equal numbers of men and women must be elected as

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